Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music prepares students for careers in music, music education and/or further graduate study. The program focuses on performance (voice or instrumental), composition or pedagogy, while also grounding students thoroughly in musicology and theory. It offers seven concentrations: accompanying, composition, instrumental, jazz-commercial, keyboard, piano pedagogy and voice.
In addition to the requirements for the major described below, students must meet all other university requirements for the Bachelor of Music degree. Please consult the Graduation Requirements for the Bachelor’s Degree section in this catalog for complete information. All courses in the major require a “C” (2.0) or better.
Admission Requirements
When students first apply to the music major, they are considered “pre-music” and must audition in two areas:
- Piano placement: determines the level of class piano a student should take. Students meet the piano requirement by passing MUS 282B with a “C” (2.0) or better or an equivalent jury exam. Students majoring in piano/keyboard/organ meet the requirement by passing MUS 285 with a “C” (2.0) or better or an equivalent jury exam.
- Principal performance (instrument or voice): determines if a student can be placed into the appropriate concentration in either the B.A. or B.M. degree programs. Incoming freshmen who do not pass this audition are automatically changed to “undeclared” majors. They may select a different major or audition again for the next semester. Transfer students who do not pass the audition are required to change their majors. They may audition again for the next semester. Students who pass the audition and are accepted into the major may audition later to change to a different degree or concentration.
Degree Requirements
To remain music majors in good standing, students must take a minimum of 6 units of music each semester, including an applied lesson, a major performance ensemble and other coursework. Students should consult their TDAs and advisers each semester.
Undergraduate music majors are required to accumulate 60 hours of concert management – 30 hours during any of the first four semesters of matriculation as a music major at CSUF. Concert management activities include participation in house and stage management for CSUF School of Music events in Meng Concert Hall and the Recital Hall, publicity and public relations, and lighting and sound editing. Students wishing to earn credit hours must first watch an online training video at the beginning of the semester for which they wish to receive credit hours. The video provides relevant preparation and instructions.
Core Requirements (39 units)
Music History and Literature (14 units)
Principal Performance: Applied Instruction (6 units)
B.M. students are eligible for a maximum of 14 units of state-funded individual instruction. Students may not take more than three semesters of applied music at the same performance level.
Major Performance Ensemble (4 units)
Select one major ensemble course per semester. Consult with your adviser for additional information.
Jazz and Commercial Music Concentration (31 units)
The Jazz and Commercial Music concentration prepares students for the high demands of the professional world in ensembles like the Fullerton Jazz Orchestra, Fullerton Jazz Chamber Ensemble, Latin Jazz Ensemble, jazz small groups and Jazz Singers. They perform in a wide variety of styles in concerts on campus and at top local, regional and international jazz venues and festivals. Such ensembles have been selected as winners at the Reno Jazz Festival, Fullerton College Jazz Festival, the Western States Jazz Festival and the Pacific Coast Jazz Festival. The Fullerton Jazz Orchestra’s latest CD is “Sabor,” featuring vocalist Freda Payne. The program’s curriculum offers undergraduate and graduate courses in jazz arranging, improvisation, history and pedagogy, in addition to music technology. The instrumental applied lesson program includes instructors in jazz saxophone and winds, guitar, piano/keyboards, acoustic and electric bass, drums and percussion, trumpet and trombone.
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